Brides Guide June 2017

Bride’s Guide Summer 2017

Wedding Venue

The steps involved in securing your wedding venue

Honeymoon Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 15, 2017

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Bride’s Guide 4

Engagement ring buyer’s guide

5

Employ helping hands during wedding planning

6

Factors to consider before choosing a wedding venue

7

Did you know?

8

Get a grip on your guest list

9

The steps involved in securing wedding venues, licenses

10

Tux renting basics

11

Say ‘sew long’ to ill-fitting wedding clothing

13

Unique groomsmen gift ideas

14

Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon

15

Men can get manicures for their wedding days, too

Have Your Reception at the

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O w a t o n n a

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O C C YourDestination for Elegance

Bride’s Guide 2017 Publisher: Tom Murray Advertising Director: Ginny Bergerson Media Consultants: Per Kvalsten, Erin Rossow, Kyle Shaw, Autumn VanRavenhorst Advertising Design: Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista Cover Photo: Tamra Kerkow Bride’s Guide is published by the Owatonna People’s Press and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN. No portion of the advertising or editorial content of the Bride’s Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

All Rights Reserved. © 2017

Owatonna Country Club Open to the Public

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Thursday, June 15, 2017

Engagement ring buyer’s guide

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edding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born.

While couples remember the sentiments and the style of their engagements forever, the engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated. Such a decision involves knowing what a future spouse desires in a ring and balancing those desires with budget.

Shopping for an engagement ring can be both nervewracking and exciting. But there are ways to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed.

Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open anytime jewelry is mentioned. Subtle hints may be dropped and pages to magazines may be folded

back to provide a nudge in the right direction. It’s also perfectly fine to ask for your future spouse’s input, particularly if you’ve already spoken about marriage and know that an engagement is on the horizon.

Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others. Many people have distinct preferences when it comes to the shape of the ring. Keep in mind that some shapes are more common than others and some may be more expensive as well. According to Long’s Fine Jewelers, round cut diamonds are the most popular today and also some of the most expensive.

Marquise and oval also tend to be pricey. Princess and emerald cut diamonds may be more affordable, offers Genesis Diamonds.

Know all the specs. Buying

an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge. In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone. Take some time to learn about each of the four Cs so you can make a more informed decision when visiting the jeweler.

Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money.

Believe it or not, you can purchase the ring in two parts — opting to shop for a setting from one place and a stone from another. Jewelers will often do whatever is

necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization.

Engagement ring buyers may also want to consider gemstones other than diamonds. Buyers also must know their beloved’s ring size before buying the ring.

Brilliant Earth jewelry says 6 to 6.5 are the most common ring sizes.

When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process is that much easier.

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PAGE 5

Employ helping hands during wedding planning

A

ccepting the honor of being in a friend or family member’s wedding means more than dressing in the fancy clothing and showing up on the designated date.

The wedding party — particularly the bridesmaids and groomsmen — should understand that standing alongside the happy couple generally means doing some work during the planning period as well as on the big day. It’s the wise wedding couple who can recognize the strengths of their family and friends and put those attributes to work in productive ways.

According to The Knot. com, the average wedding party includes four people on each side. That means eight extra people who can lend their eyes, ears and hands to the bounty of tasks that comprise the wedding planning to-do list. Here’s how to delegate with flair.

Ask and ye shall receive.

First off, it is never safe to assume that the wedding party will be taking on extra work. Even if tradition suggests wedding party members lend a hand, it’s in the best interest of the couple to graciously ask for help.

This helps establish good will at the start.

Be specific when assigning tasks. Rather than just asking for generalized help, make a list of the tasks that seem the most challenging and then delegate accordingly. If a member of the bridal party is excellent at getting travel deals, have him or her help arrange the honeymoon.

Someone with an intimate knowledge of cuisine can come along to food tastings and help plan the reception menu. Friends with a flair for organization can be in charge of disseminating information to the entire wedding party or keeping a running list of gifts given at various parties so thankyou notes can be sent.

Make wardrobe suggestions. Couples can rely on their most honest bridal party members when picking out wedding attire.

These no-holds-barred individuals can set them straight on fit, look and comfort. Trust these people in helping to make the entire wedding party look stylish and feel confident.

Extend the host/hostess duties. It can be tiring for couples to tend to the needs of all their wedding guests. Couples can enlist the help of their wedding party to ensure that elderly or disabled guests get the assistance they need. The wedding party can also step up to serve as stand-in dance partners or to help

grab drinks or escort people as needed.

Get the party started.

Couples can usually count on their wedding parties to help fill the dance floor at the wedding reception — even when others have not yet built up the courage to showcase their dancing skills. Those bold and loveable friends and family members will help keep the energy up and make the wedding a blast.

Planning and hosting a wedding is a large undertaking. With the help of the wedding party, it can be that much more enjoyable.

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Thursday, June 15, 2017

Factors to consider before choosing a wedding venue

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nce couples become engaged and share the good news with their friends and families, the next step is to begin planning their weddings. While couples must make a myriad of decisions during the wedding planning process, perhaps none is more significant than where to tie the knot.

According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding for couples who married in 2016 was $35,329. That’s a sizable amount, and a big portion of that was spent on the wedding venue. The Real Weddings Study found that couples spent an average of $16,107 on their wedding venues in 2016. That figure easily dwarfs the next biggest expense ($6,163 for the engagement ring) for couples tying the knot.

Because the wedding venue comes with such a potentially high sticker price, couples should give ample consideration to a host of factors before choosing where to get married.

Size Until they can agree on a guest list, couples might want to delay even looking for venues. However, some couples might want to first look at some venues so they can determine just how many guests they can afford to invite. Whether they’re hosting small affairs or large parties, couples should choose venues that can comfortably accommodate all of their guests. If possible, look for venues with multiple reception areas, which might allow for some wiggle room if the guest list grows or dwindles during the planning process.

Availability Some couples might have an ideal time of year they

hope to get married. Some even know the exact date they hope to get married.

While that can help with the planning, it can also limit couples with regard to their venue options. Some venues may be booked for as much as a year or more in advance during peak wedding season. The Real Weddings Study found that the most popular months to get married in 2016 were October and September.

Couples who hope to follow in the footsteps of many 2016 brides and grooms may need to book their wedding venues well in advance. Those who can be more flexible regarding their wedding dates may find it easier to book their dream venues.

Insurance Ask about the venue’s insurance policies, including the policies the venue has to protect itself. In addition, ask if the venue requires couples to have their own wedding liability insurance for protection in the event of

injury, property damage or incidents related to alcohol.

Couples may also want to make the investment in cancellation/postponement insurance, and some venues may even require it.

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PAGE 7

VENUE From 6

Did you know?

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edding insurance can provide couples who are about to tie the knot with some peace of mind on their big days. Many wedding venues require couples carry liability coverage in the case of accidents, injuries or incidents.

But wedding insurance policies may even surprise couples with regard to what they cover. Each policy is different, and couples may be able to customize wedding insurance policies to cover a host of items. Many policies cover couples in the wake of cancellations or postponements due to weather, damage to the facility or even a change of heart on the part of the couple holding the policy. But some policies may provide coverage for couples should their photographers and/or caterers fail to appear. Policies may also cover lost, stolen or damaged items, including equipment rentals, bridal gowns, jewelry, and/or gifts. Couples should speak with their wedding venue representative to determine if the venue offers extended coverage and ultimately compare those offerings to policy estimates they receive on their own.

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Financials It’s easy for couples to be focused on the bottom line when choosing wedding venues, but it’s also important that they get a complete grasp of the financials before choosing a wedding venue. Ask about the amount of the initial deposit and if that deposit is refundable. In addition, ask when the deposit is due and when each subsequent payment is due until the balance is paid in full. This can make budgeting easier and planning less stressful.

Couples should have fun choosing their wedding

venues while recognizing that certain factors must be given ample consideration before signing any contracts.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Get a grip on your guest list

C

ooperation is key for couples planning their weddings. Compiling the guest list is one area of wedding planning where couples oftentimes must embrace both cooperation and compromise.

Putting together a wedding guest list can cause some tension. That tension may be confined to couples, but it may even occur between couples and their families.

Getting a grip on their guest lists may be one of the more difficult tasks couples encounter when planning their weddings, but there are ways to make creating the guest list go smoothly.

Recognize the need to compromise. Couples who recognize the need to

compromise in advance of compiling their guest lists may find it easier to pare down that list if the initial number of guests is too high. Couples can create lists of people they want to invite, breaking these initial lists down into categories such as “friends,” “family,” “acquaintances,” and “coworkers.” Couples may not want to compromise on inviting friends and family, but each person should be willing to remove some coworkers and acquaintances from their final lists.

Don’t succumb to parental pressure if mom and dad are not paying the bills. Couples who are financing their own weddings should not feel beholden to their parents’

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wishes when compiling their wedding guest lists. Politely explain to parents you’re working on a budget and that you have a predetermined number of guests you’re capable of inviting. Couples can appease their parents by encouraging them to compile a list of people they hope to invite, and then telling them these people will be invited

if other guests are unable to make it. Couples whose parents are footing some or all of the bill must be more receptive to their parents’ wishes than those paying for their own weddings.

Agree on a kids policy. A policy regarding kids may help couples as they create

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PAGE 9

The steps involved in securing wedding venues, licenses

G

etting married is an exciting time in a couple’s life together.

Wedding planning is the next logical step after the engagement announcement, and while couples often get swept up in planning their dream parties, it’s important to note that ultimately the ceremony is the star of the day.

Before booking a wedding reception venue or getting one’s heart set on a particular date, couples need to secure their ceremony sites as well as apply for a marriage license.

In some instances, ceremonies are held at the same site as the wedding reception, while some couples choose to tie the knot in their church or synagogue. Each of these types of ceremonies will be governed by the schedule of the house of worship or civil site.

Finding a venue Once couples choose a wedding date, it is a good

idea for them to visit their ceremony site of choice to check the calendar. It helps to have some flexibility in the wedding date in case the first choice is unavailable.

Although summer weddings used to be the most popular, today’s couples are tying the knot more often in September and October than other times of year.

Even though a couple’s wedding is special and unique to them, ceremony locations handle hundreds of weddings.

Couples must recognize that competition for certain venues may be steep, so it helps to keep more than one venue in mind when planning a wedding.

Getting a marriage license While laws may vary from state to state within the United States, getting a marriage license generally involves filling out the application and paying a fee at the county clerk’s office. Both applicants are typically required to

bring identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate. There may be a waiting period between submitting the application and the license being issued.

Couples can pick up the license or have it mailed to them.

Canadian requirements vary by province. For example, in Ontario, applicants need to be at least 16 years old to marry and must show two forms of government-supplied identification to apply. The license is valid for 90 days

from when it is issued.

A marriage license is not the same thing as a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate typically becomes available after the ceremony has taken place and the witnesses and officiant have signed off on the proceedings.

Getting married is a multistep process that begins with determining where the ceremony will take place and acquiring a marriage license.

With these items in check, couples can focus on creating memorable wedding days.

GUEST LIST From 8

their guest lists. Couples working with tight budgets may decide that the only children who will be invited are their nieces and nephews.

Young cousins likely won’t feel slighted if they don’t make the cut, and their parents may even appreciate a night out without the kids in tow.

Employ the “future versus past” formula when paring gets tough. When all else has failed, couples faced with difficult decisions regarding their wedding guest lists can

ask themselves if prospective guests are people they expect to see again in the future or if they are people from their past. Including the former might be a good idea, while removing the latter may also make sense, especially if it’s been a long time since couples have seen people who fall into the “past” category.

Creating the guest list is one of the more difficult parts of planning a wedding. But couples willing to compromise may find the process goes smoothly.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Tux-renting basics The right fit can help a groom and the groomsmen look like a million bucks come wedding day.

B

rides-to-be may invest thousands of dollars into their wedding day ensembles.

Online wedding resource The Knot says that the average cost for a wedding dress is $1,469. Grooms generally have a much easier and less expensive experience with their wedding day attire. In fact, grooms often rent their tuxedos for minimal cost.

Renting a wedding tuxedo has its advantages, namely in the cost savings.

However, it’s easy for a guy to fall into the trap of renting something that will not help him look his best if he isn’t educated about the process. Looking sharp involves a little more than just showing up to the shop and picking a tux off the rack.

Choose your retailer wisely Many stores sell or rent suits and tuxedos. As is the case with many aspects of wedding planning, getting a recommendation from friends or family members can help grooms identify the

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shops that offer exemplary service. When attending others’ weddings or special events, pay attention to the look of the groom and his groomsmen. Find out where they got their tuxes.

Price alone should not dictate where to shop.

Once bridesmaid dresses have been selected, the groomsmen can begin to shop around for tuxedoes.

This way ties and vests will coordinate. Initial tux selection should begin between four and six months before the wedding.

Get a proper fitting The experts at Men’s Wearhouse say that it is important to be fitted for a tux or suit properly. Their professionals can handle the measurements, or men shopping elsewhere can use a tailor of their choosing.

Shoulders should be close to the body in the jacket but not restrictive. Sleeves should fall so that they show a quarter- to a halfinch of shirt sleeves when arms are at the sides. An illfitting suit or tux can make a gentleman look sloppy.

It is key to pay attention to

sizing and use a shop that has a variety of styles that fit various body types.

Choose a classic style No one wants to look outdated in their wedding pictures. By choosing a classic cut and color in a suit or tux, guys will look stylish no matter the year.

Fun can be had with vest colors or bow ties.

Confirm the order The entire wedding party can visit the tuxedo shop for selections and fittings.

The groom should call the store at least a month prior to the wedding to ensure that everyone has been fitted. Tuxes should be picked up a few days in advance of the wedding and tried on to ensure that everything fits and all accessories are included.

This way last-minute alterations or substitutions can be made.

Grooms and groomsmen can look dapper by selecting a classic suit or tuxedo, having it properly fitted and confirming that all wardrobe components are ready to go in time for the big day.

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Say ‘sew long’ to ill-fitting wedding clothing S eamstresses and tailors are sometimes the unsung heroes of weddings. These individuals often work tirelessly under pressure to ensure that tuxes are taken in at the right places and that gowns are hemmed to perfection.

People may underestimate the importance of good wedding ensemble alterations, but having someone whose skilled with a needle and thread is essential to looking your best on such a momentous day.

Proper fit can be as important as the gown or suit. Although some couples will spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire, many will not research the person to handle any necessary alterations. Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom tailoring. The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits.

Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations.

Length of time It’s difficult to say how long alterations will take, as it depends on the extent of the work and how busy the seamstress or tailor is. And until the alterations have begun, seamstresses and tailors may not know how long the job will take. The bridal resource The Knot advises allowing between two and three months from a first fitting to the last as an ideal timeline to

make all of the alterations.

For complicated gowns, brides or bridal party members may need three or four fittings, with the last occurring a few weeks before the wedding.

Alteration costs Cost alone should not dictate where to go for alterations. The costs can include many factors, including which fabrics are used in the gown or suit, which types of alterations are requested (minor tweaks or a major overhaul), proximity to the wedding date, and even geographical location. Brides also can add straps, beading, lace, or other detailing, but it will affect the cost.

Whom to choose Many bridal salons and formalwear retailers will have someone on staff who can handle alterations. If a store doesn’t have a tailor or seamstress, or if this person isn’t able to provide what is needed, take clothing to a professional who specializes in wedding wear. Gowns can be complex, with wedding gowns featuring bustles, intricate hems, boning, beading, and much more, so try to work with experienced professionals who have seen it all. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or find out if wedding planners or retailers who sold you the dress recommend anyone.

When attending a fitting, bring along the shoes and undergarments that will be worn on the wedding day so the fit can be matched accordingly. Also take one friend or family

member who can offer an extra opinion on how the clothing falls and fits. Brides may want to bring a maid(matron)-of-honor if she needs to learn how to bustle a gown.

Skilled tailors or seamstresses help couples look their best on their wedding days, and finding reliable professionals should be part of wedding planning.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 15, 2017

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

PAGE 13

Unique groomsmen gift ideas

eddings are steeped in tradition, and one of the more enjoyable ones is the custom of gifting members of the bridal party. With regard to picking out tuxedos and planning the wedding, grooms may not spend as much time with their groomsmen as brides do with their bridesmaids. But that does not mean grooms don’t want to go above and beyond when gifting their groomsmen.

The following are a handful of unique groomsmen gift ideas.

Guys’ day out: While it’s customary to gift groomsmen with mementos of the wedding that they can keep for years to come, there’s no law forbidding grooms from gifting an experience. Grooms can book a guys’ day or night out for after the wedding, buying each groomsmen a ticket to a ballgame and paying for dinner for the whole crew. Or

consider a more adventurous outing, such as a group bungee jump or whitewater rafting trip. Provide a memento by ordering a handful of

specially designed commemorative T-shirts.

Commemorative photo: Many grooms ask relatives and friends they have known for much of their lives to be their groomsmen. So it’s not uncommon for groomsmen to know each other very well. If each member of the party has

known one another for years, grooms can try to find a photo of all of them together when they were much younger.

Have the photo professionally framed, noting the date of the wedding with an engraving on the frame.

If each groomsman is from a different period in the groom’s life, then the groom can find a photo from early in each relationship to present as a gift.

Commemorative beer: Many grooms and groomsmen bond over beer, so grooms

who have raised many a pint with their groomsmen might want to create their own commemorative beers to show their love and appreciation for their best guy friends.

Many craft breweries offer brewing classes that teach beer afficionados the finer points of making beer. Grooms can attend such classes on their own and create their own batch specifically for their groomsmen or pay for the whole group to attend the class together.

Movie poster: Grooms with a creative side and a love of movies can create movie posters that mimic those of iconic guy films like “Goodfellas” or “Animal House,” swapping out images of the film’s stars with likenesses of themselves and their groomsmen. Have the finished products framed before presenting one to each groomsman.

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PAGE 14

BRIDE'S GUIDE

Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon

H

oneymoons are big business. According to a recent Conde Nast Bridal Infobank survey, the average couple spends more than $5,000 on their honeymoon, indicating just how much meaning couples assign to their first official trip as newlyweds.

If the average spending on honeymoons seems high, it’s important for couples working on budgets to realize that there are plenty of ways to plan memorable getaways without breaking the bank. Couples can keep the following strategies in mind as they plan their honeymoons.

Plan and book early. In its 2016 Real Weddings Study, online wedding resource The Knot found that the average engagement length was 15 months. That gives couples plenty of time to plan their weddings, but also a great chance to book their honeymoons well in advance of their wedding days. Fifteen months affords couples the chance to piece together the perfect

honeymoon on their own or shop around for package deals.

Delay the honeymoon.

Couples without much wiggle room in their budgets or those who simply want to save money can delay their honeymoons, choosing to take their getaways months after they tie the knot. This provides couples with more traveling flexibility. And depending on when couples get married, delaying the honeymoon may push the trip into the vacationing off-season, when more affordable deals can often be found.

Don’t shy away from your newlywed status. Resorts might not advertise it, but many offer special amenities to honeymooning newlyweds. Some may provide complementary spa services, while others might offer free room upgrades if they have any vacancies. Such amenities may be grand or small, but no matter their size, they can make honeymoons feel more special.

Give ample consideration to all-inclusive honeymoon packages. Whether couples are working on tight budgets or planning their honeymoons without

Thursday, June 15, 2017

regard to cost, all-inclusive packages may be worth the extra money upfront.

All-inclusive packages tend to include meals, some beverages and fun activities that couples would otherwise have to pay for á la carte. All-inclusive packages may also remove some of the work of planning the honeymoon because couples won’t need to tirelessly research activities and find the most affordable local vendors. Couples can examine the nuts and bolts of all-inclusive packages to make sure they include activities and foods they’re likely to enjoy.

Planning a honeymoon takes work, but much of that work is fun, and couples who do their due diligence can save substantial amounts of money.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Men can get manicures for their wedding days, too

A

variety of wedding day cosmetic preparations are geared toward the brideto-be. Gentlemen generally limit their wedding pampering to a haircut and possibly a self-tanning product to have a golden glow in their wedding photos.

As social norms continue to relax and guys grow more comfortable and confident taking care of their skin, hair and bodies, the list of services men undergo in advance of special occasions may widen. One service that many men have already

embraced is the manicure.

Manicures neaten the fingernails and treat the skin and cuticles of the fingers and can be just as beneficial for men as women. In fact, male-geared hand and foot grooming have already sprouted a niche market, including the Hammer & Nails Grooming for Guys franchise that was featured on the popular show “Shark Tank.”

Nail technicians can help guys achieve a clean look and alert men to possible underlying health issues present on their hands and

PAGE 15

feet. According to Dr. David E. Bank, a clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, technicians are trained to recognize possible fungus and other infections within the nails.

Depending on his profession, a man’s hands may be on display and the appearance of those hands can help close deals or present a more professional look. Manicures can help men achieve that. They’re also ideal for special occasions like weddings, when guys want to be groomed to perfection.

GQ magazine advises that the occasional professional manicure can offer nice, even nails without out-ofcontrol cuticles — no polish or gel tips necessary.

First-timers may be hesitant to give manicures a try.

While salon services can differ, here’s what a typical manicure will entail.

• Nails are cut and filed.

• Hands will be soaked in warm water and/or oil to soften skin and cuticles.

• Cuticles are pushed back or trimmed.

• Moisturizer may be applied, and hands are given a brief massage.

• Clear polish can be used if desired. However, a thorough buffing also can create a healthy shine to the nail.

Men may want to visit nail salons during offpeak times if they are shy about requesting services.

Otherwise, they can visit businesses that cater to men’s grooming.

Let Us Preserve Your Wedding Dress Cleaned, Pressed & Boxed - $150 and up Preserved - $200 and up

ELWOOD STAR CLEANERS

107 N. Cedar • Downtown Owatonna

The best prices in town for Flower Girl Dresses Hall Rental Parties & Anniversaries & Boys’ Tuxedos & Suits! Weddings, or for any special occasion!

Completely Kids & Maternity KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 507-451-3430

Call 451-6103 for more information

312 N. Cedar, Downtown Owatonna M-F 10-6, Sat. 9-5 • 507-444-4100

Columbian Center 820 S. Elm, P.O. Box 623 Owatonna, MN 55060

Open M-F 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 SAT. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

PAGE 16

BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Magical. .

Memorable!

LET CASH WISE MAKE IT PERFECT B A K E R Y cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats created by our own artisan bakers and decorators

F L O R A L bridal bouquets, centerpieces, church bouquets, table arrangements and more

C AT E R I N G to make your reception dinner memorable from appetizers to full menu options

cashwise.com

495 WEST NORTH STREET | OWATONNA, MN 55060 (507) 451-7220 |

Wedding photography by joeyphoto.co